RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION ?I 7 Friday MADISON .d?gust ?? Mr Pinkney moved to strike out "on the application of its legislature" Mr Govr. Morris zds. Mr L- Martin opposed it as giving a dangerous & un- necessary power. The consent of the State ought to precede the introduction of any extraneous force whatever. Mr. Mercer supported the opposition of Mr. Martin. Mr Elseworth proposed to add after "legislature" "or Executlve". Mr Govr Morris. The Executive may possibly be at the head of the Rebellion. The Genl Govt. should enforce obedi- ence in all cases where it may be necessary. Mr. Ellsworth. In many cases The Genl. Govt. ought not to be able to interpose unless called upon. He was will- ing to vary his motion so as to read, "{or without it) ? when the legislature cannot meet." Mr. Gerry was agst. letting loose the myrmidons of the U. States on a State without its own consent. The States will be the best Judges in such cases. More blood would have been spilt in Massts in the late insurrection, if the Genl. authority had intermeddled. Mr. Langdon was for striking out as moved by Mr. Pink- ney. The apprehension of the national force, will have a salutary effect in preventing insurrections. Mr Randolph- If the Natl. Legislature is to judge whether the State legislature can or cannot meet, that amendment would make the clause as objectionable as the motion of Mr Pinkhey. Mr. Govr. Morris. We are acting a very strange part. We first form a strong man to protect us, and at the same time wish to tie his hands behind him, The legislature may surely be trusted with such a power to preserve the public tran- quillity. On the motion to add "or without it (application) when the legislature cannot meet" N.H. ay. Mas. no. Ct ay. Pa. divd. Del. no. Md. no. Va. Crossed out "& of the Executlve?'; revised from Join'hal.
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